France break hearts in England and Ireland as they also smash Six Nations record

France have broken a Six Nations record with their 48-46 victory over England in the final game of the 2026 iteration of the competition.

Les Bleus did not have it easy, as Steve Borthwick’s side came out and pushed them right to the final minute as Thomas Ramos needed a penalty to secure the victory.

The French can now celebrate their Six Nations title, while England and Ireland will be heartbroken with this result.

England put in a fine performance as they looked to have won the game late on thanks to a Tommy Freeman try, but Borthwick’s side, who have struggled with discipline the whole tournament, gave away a penalty with the clock in the red.

Irish fans would have been forgiven had they started celebrating; however, it was not to be for Andy Farrell’s side, who had won the Triple Crown earlier in the day against Scotland.

Ollie Chessum of England celebrates scoring his team's second try during the Guinness Six Nations 2026 match between France and England (Getty Images)

This was Ireland’s ninth Triple Crown, and so they managed to break their own record for the nation that has won this title since the competition became the Six Nations in 2000 with the addition of Italy.

It was a day full of records being broken as this year saw the most tries ever scored in the competition, breaking the previous record of 108 tries.

France managed to secure their eighth Six Nations title, which is the most any nation has secured since 2000, finally moving clear of England, who occupy second place with seven now.

This title for Fabian Galthie’s side meant that Ireland did not secure their seventh Six Nations championship, and so they have to be content with their six titles, a tally that has them level with Wales in third.

Italy and Scotland have never won a Six Nations, with the Scots last winning the championship when it was the Five Nations in 1999.